“Lilly? Hi, it’s Christine. I just wanted to double check that everything went okay with setup today?”
Lilly pressed the phone between her shoulder and her ear. “Yep. Everything went perfectly. No hiccups in the sound checks, and the stage went together without a hitch. All vendors are accounted for and it looks like all of the electrical is running fine. The only thing we didn’t get out today are the balloons and a couple of the posters. I’ll get those up in the morning.”
“Perfect. You’re a lifesaver.”
Lilly didn’t say anything about the fact that Christine was the third co-chair, not the first. “How’s your trip?”
“Going well. I was in eight hours of training today. My flight was delayed a bit too, but we’re on the runway so I’m hopeful that we’ll be in the air soon. I’ll be there first thing tomorrow to help where you need me.”
“Sounds great. Have a good flight.”
Lilly hung up the phone and dropped backward onto her sleeping mat.
“Bout time.” Joey grumbled.
“Sorry.” She set her phone to vibrate and closed her eyes.
As per her usual pattern of the last week, the first image she saw was William’s solemn expression. He’d been at the setup as well. She swore she could feel his gaze every time they came within range of each other. The idea that maybe their cult really did use magic filtered through her mind a couple of times, but she dismissed it. She tried to remind herself that religion did not make the man; that she’d liked him before knowing about his beliefs, but so far that wasn’t doing much for her.
She pushed away his image and shifted her position to her right side. The night, like the last few, seemed to drag on mercilessly before she could fall asleep. When she finally did, her nervousness about the carnival bled into everything and she woke grouchy.
After biting off the heads of the first two people she spoke with, Lilly shut her mouth and kept it that way until she’d gotten in a full breakfast. Lunch would be sheer coincidence, so she shoved a few granola bars into her purse and hurried out the door.
She made it to the balloon store early, picked up her half of the balloons, then hurried back to the campus. People milled like ants through the carnival. A few college students looked around trying to figure out where everything would be once the stalls opened for business. She listened to them chatter about how much bigger this year’s event was compared with the last and how excited they were. A few others paused to take pictures with the painted boards, shoving their heads through the holes. Lilly felt her sense of peace returning.
“Do you have a few guys I can borrow for a bit?”
She spun, staring at her current nightmare. “Uh.”
William met her gaze evenly. She could see neither anger, nor nervousness in them like she felt.
“One will do.”
“I can get you two. Give me a minute. Where should I send them.”
“We’re working near the carousel at the moment.”
“I still can’t believe you got a carousel for a one-day event.” She shook her head, smiling at him in an attempt to hide her own discomfort.
“Devil’s magic.” He quipped. “Sorry, that was probably inappropriate.”
“Probably.” She turned and waved down two of her stage hands. “Can you two head to the carousel? William needs a hand with something.”
“Thanks Lilly.” He moved a step closer while her back was turned. “You look nice today, by the way, very festive and chic.”
“You look pretty much like you always do.” She took in his slacks and button-down shirt.
“Yeah, not much variety in my wardrobe. I’ll have to work on that.”
“Sorry, but I need to get a few more things done.” She hurried away again, realizing that she seemed to be building a habit.
When Christine finally arrived, the day started to fly. Lilly turned her focus toward making sure all of the operators and volunteers showed up to their designated stations, and doublechecking the vendors’ power hookups. She rushed back and forth to over forty different games and activities dozens of times, completing her step-goal for the entire day, then paused to take a break.
William dropped beside her, a bottle of water in his hands for each of them. “Lilly, will you give me a moment of your time?”
“Today? Now?”
“Now is the best time there is. You’re taking a break anyway, so you’re a captive audience. Look, I have been trying to give you the space you need, and I’ll continue to do that, but I’d like you to tell me directly, please, if and when you decide which way you want to go. In other words, don’t leave me hanging.”
“Is that all you want?”
“No, of course not, but that’s all I’ll ask from you.”
“How the tide has changed, no? For years I would sit outside the accounting building and just hope for a glimpse of you. I’d dream about you and write your name, and even write stories about us. It’s so odd how reality shifts.”
“A group of friends and I are going bowling tomorrow. We’re in a minor league together, but tonight is more of a relax night than actual practice. Will you come?”
“I don’t know how to bowl.”
“Toss the ball down the lane and avoid the gutters. We can even put up the bumpers if you want. Just come.”
“You’re a grown man, William, don’t sound so desperate.”
“I’m in love with you and you’re about to walk away. Of course I’m desperate.”
Lilly finished her water, gulping the last half down in one drink. “One chance. I’ll come bowling tonight. Are the rest of these people Mormon?”
“You’ve been researching?”
“What makes you say that?” She rose and dusted off her pants.
“I told you the church was LDS, and you just called us by our nickname.”
“Yes, I’ve done a little research. Enough to understand your whole chastity issue, at least.”
William smiled. “Okay, your next research topic should be eternal marriage.”
“I’m not taking homework assignments. I don’t start school until next semester.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” He smiled and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Yes, they are LDS, too. Will you meet me at the accounting building once we’ve finished takedown tonight?”
“Do you have any idea how exhausted we’re both going to be?”
“I’m a desperate man.” He winked and turned, hurrying back to his side of the fair.
Lilly turned her radio back on and continued her rounds. By the end of the night her feet hurt. Each step was added agony, but she managed to make it to the accounting building. William arrived a few minutes later. “We outdid last year, in terms of gross revenue. One and a half times, to be precise.”
“That’s wonderful.” At this moment she didn’t care, but she knew the news would make the executive director cry with joy.
“I won’t keep you, but I just wanted to see you before the night was over.”
Lilly continued to lay against the cold steps, not even caring that the cement edges of each tread poked into her back. Her eyes remained closed despite one attempt to open them. “Thanks for all of your work, William. Tonight’s growth was a direct result of your connections and your vision.”
“And your dedication,” he added.
She heard him turn. “I researched your eternal marriage concept. I also read all about fads in dating at your church schools. You people are weird.”
“Peculiar is the term we generally use.”
Lilly grinned. “You’d better wake me up for bowling.”
“It’s not until evening.”
“Exactly.”
“Lilly? Don’t fall asleep here. Do you want me to drive you home?”
“I’m okay.” She lied, trying once more to open her eyes. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
“Okay, you’re punch drunk. Let’s get you home.” He leaned down, scooping her into his arms.
“M-not.” she countered. “It’s a serious question. Those BYU people had statistics for the average marriage times. They said three months. That would honestly require love at first sight, for me.”
“Well, isn’t that how you described the first time you saw me?”
“According to my research, that’s closer to lust at first sight. I want to know about love.”
“Ha, touché. You really have done research. Okay, then, no. I don’t believe in that. I think it will take decades for love to mature, but an infant love like you and I have is a perfect start for the real thing.”
She snuggled into his chest, feeling the stiff feel of the white shirt against her cheek. “Can I dress you tomorrow?”
“You are drunk, and you forget when you are drunk, I am in charge!” He spoke the words in a strange accent. “Sorry. I love that movie.”
“Willow?” Her brow furrowed, picturing the brownies.
“The very one. It’s one of my favorites.”
“Mine too, My mom forced me to watch it at least once a week when I was a kid. It’s been years since I’ve seen it.” It took her a long moment to remember her request. “Well? You always evade my questions.”
“No, your questions just sidetrack me. Sure, you can pick my clothes.”
“That means I get to see your bedroom.” She grinned wickedly.
“You’re going to be the death of me. Okay, we’re at my car. If I set you down, can you stand up on your own?”
“Maybe.” She felt her world shift and her feet hit something solid. Head swirling, she held on to William while he unlocked the passenger door.
“In you go.”
She allowed herself to be guided inside, then curled sideways into the seat. The next thing she remembered he was shaking her gently. “Lilly, sweetie, we’re at your warehouse. Should I carry you inside? Where’s your bed?”
“No. I’m good.”
She roused herself, strangely alert, and reached for the door. As soon as she stood, however, the world spun sickeningly and William hurried to catch her. He refused to let her go until she slid back the massive door. A collective groan of annoyance from the sleepers inside greeted them.
“No way.” He shook his head, barring her path. “I hoped you were joking when you said you all slept in a communal group.”
“Go home, William.”
He sighed. “On the couch.”
He slid the warehouse door closed, despite her attempts to stop him, then swung her back up into his arms. “No arguments. I can’t handle that as your living arrangements.”
“What, because there’re males in the room?”
“No, because it’s one step away from homeless.”
“Don’t try to control me.” Her head felt clear again, wide awake and ready for this fight. “I’m not a child, and I know what I’m doing.”
“No, you’re not.” He stopped and set her down again. “Sorry.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow?”
William nodded.
* * *
As soon as she arrived, he handed her a small stack of printouts. The cost of each apartment spanned the two to three-hundred-dollar range, and some had roommates while others were studios. She noted that three belonged in the same neighborhood; the sublets he’d mentioned months before. Others were closer to the college.
Lilly accepted the stack, thanked him, then shoved him toward the stairs and up to his room. The place carried a familiar feel. She thought a moment and realized that it felt like an extension of the man himself. Opening his closet, she stared at shirts organized by color and type. The button downs took most of the space, followed by polos in an astounding variety, and then T-shirts. Most of the t-shirts looked like they were gifts.
William confirmed it. “Every vacation my parents take they purchase shirts for all of us.”
“You don’t own a T-shirt that you bought for yourself?”
“No need.” He shrugged.
“No need.” She repeated with a shake of her head. “Have you ever had an adventure?”
“I go rock climbing every other weekend, I’m a river tour guide on part of the Colorado during the summer. What type of adventure do you mean?”
“I mean the kind where there are no rules and the only plans are rough sketches.”
“Nope. I’m an accountant. Something in our genes requires a certain level of structure.”
“Well maybe you need to put some holes in your jeans and live a little.”
William pulled out a polo. “Will this do?”
She looked back at the assortment. “It’s a little bland, don’t you think? We’re supposed to be on a bowling date. Do you normally wear that?”
He pulled out a team shirt with snaps rather than buttons.
“Nevermind, I give. You win. I can’t work with this wardrobe.” Lilly threw up her hands in mock disgust. “Wear whatever you want.”
“Do you really disapprove so much of my wardrobe?”
“Not at all. The clean-cut figure of the Professor is one of the reasons I was attracted to you, but I didn’t realize that was your only side.” She patted his chest and smiled. “I guess it’s a good thing I like that side of you.”
William leaned in for a kiss, lingering near her lips. “Does this mean we’re past your frustration at my lack of concise explanations?”
“I’m still a little concerned, to be honest, but I’m willing to give you your month.”
He kissed her again, tossing the polo onto the bed so he could wrap his arms around her. Lilly accepted the exuberance in his embrace with a laugh. “Alright, alright. You, dress.”
As she returned to the kitchen, Lilly pulled out her phone and dialed the third number in her phone. Beth answered, distracted.
“Hey Beth, it’s Lilly.”
“Oh, hey. We still on for lunch tomorrow?”
“Of course. Your favorite place, or mine?”
“Mine, of course. You’re paying? I have a new job, but I haven’t gotten paid yet.”
“Did you get the check I sent?”
Beth sighed. “Yeah, I got it and deposited it in mom’s account.”
“You’re supposed to cash those checks and use them for clothes and school supplies.” Lilly tapped her fingers against the counter.
“Yeah, I know, but they cut mom’s hours again and she’s struggling to find more work. A GED doesn’t go as far as it used to.”
Lilly pushed back her bangs, blowing out a slow breath as she thought. “Okay, I can probably spare another hundred. I just emptied my accounts, but it’s payday this week so I should be okay until then. I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”
“Lilly.” Beth sounded near tears. “You can’t keep taking care of us and go to school too. Just go to school. I told you I’ve got a job. I’ll take over the stuff around here.”
“Where are you working?”
Beth sighed again. “Keller’s market. He wouldn’t hire me until I turned sixteen at first, but I wore him down. I should get my first check on my birthday. Cool, right?”
“Totally cool.” Lilly smiled, feeling the tears in her own eyes. “I’m sorry you have to worry about this Beth. I hoped—well, I tried. Keller’s fair, and he’s the fatherly type, but don’t abuse his kindness. I worked for him when I was fourteen for a few years. He didn’t pay very well, but he was still fair.”
“Yeah, I bet I could get more somewhere else, but this one’s so close to home, and he’s going to flex my schedule so I can pick up Andy from school. Until she’s a little older, I think it’s the best option.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Is Andy there?”
“Yeah. Let me grab her.”
Lilly heard the tap of the phone on the counter and Beth’s shrill demand that Andy come down. The thunder of steps on the stairs and clatter as she scraped the phone against the counter when she picked it up.
“Lilly? When are you moving back home? Mom said she misses you, so you can come back now.”
“I miss you guys too. I’m starting school next semester, so I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I probably won’t be able to move back. Gas is too much from home to here every day.”
“Beth said you’re going to lunch tomorrow. Can I come too?”
“Is mom working?”
“I think so.”
“If she’s working, then yes.”
“Cool. If you can’t move in, you should at least come and spend the weekend with us.”
“I can probably arrange that. Now that the carnival is done, I have a bit more time on my hands.”
“Oh! The carnival was really great. You guys outdid yourselves this year.”
“What?” Lilly felt a moment of shock. “You guys came? I didn’t see you, why didn’t you tell me!”
“Mom said you’re looking really good, and that you’re not pregnant so you either had an abortion or she was wrong, and then she got a little sad, but she bought me cotton candy. Can you believe it? She’s never bought me cotton candy at those things before. I had such a good time looking at all the lights. And there was this one guy playing the shooting one and he shot a bullseye like every time and won, like, three stuffed animals for his girlfriend. I wanted to be his girlfriend because one of the stuffed animals was so cute and I wanted it. It was one of those ones with the huge rainbow eyes, you know them? Of course you know them, you were the one who put the whole thing together.” She took a breath.
“Andy!” Lilly cut in. “Baby, I gotta go. Give Beth and hug and kiss for me and tell her you love her. If mom’s not there tomorrow, I’ll see you at lunch. If she is there, then we’ll make plans for just you and I another day, okay?”
“Okay.” Andy still seemed hyped up about the carnival.
“Can I talk to Beth again?”
Beth took the phone. “We weren’t there for long. I think she went to prove you wrong, but it wasn’t more than five minutes after we finally saw you that she decided it was time to go. You looked really happy.”
“I am happy. The event turned out great, and life is going pretty good right now.”
“Who’s the guy?”
“The guy?”
“When we saw you, you were standing near some guy and he was just watching you – couldn’t take his eyes off you, actually.” Lilly could hear the smirk in her voice. “He looked a lot older.”
“Um, I’m not positive, but it could have been William. He asked me to go on a date with him and we’re going out again tonight.”
“No way. THE William?”
“Yep.”
“Mom was right?”
“No, mom was very definitely wrong, but we did start working together on the carnival and he seems kind of interested in me. It’s not exactly what I thought it would be, but I’m starting to think it might be better than I’d imagined.”
“Oooh.” She swooned. “I want details tomorrow.”
Lilly laughed and the two hung up. As she turned, she saw William in his usual position against the entryway to the room. “Do you always listen in on other people’s conversations?”
“Just yours.” He wasn’t smiling.
“How long have you been there?”
“It only took me a few seconds to switch shirts.” He stepped forward and pulled her into a light hug. “Is there anything I can do to help mend the gap between you and your mother?”
“Because it’s you, I’m afraid anything you do will only confirm her suspicions.”
“Family is important to me.”
“Yeah, I saw that in my research.” She pushed back. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll get it fixed. We’ve had worse scrapes in our time together.”
“Your sister’s right, too. You can’t afford to support your family, yourself, and your schooling.”
“How did you hear that? I’ll do it a semester at a time. It’s not like there’s really an option. Beth is almost sixteen. She’ll be able to start working and that will ease a little of the burden. Andy is still young, but she’s pretty smart. She already knows how to sew better than mom, so she’s been mending their clothes, and watching YouTube videos on DIY projects. She’s a handy kid.”
“You’re going to lunch tomorrow?”
She eyed him. “You want to come?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to infringe on sister time.”
“I don’t think they’d mind. Are you okay with going into the shady side of town?”
He rolled his eyes. “You act as though I’m a billionaire. I make a professor’s salary at the university, believe me when I say that the only reason I have this house in this neighborhood is because my grandparents bought when it was worth very little, and sold to me at a very low price.”
Lilly blushed. “I didn’t mean to imply anything, it’s just that you have very different tastes than I’m used to. Dinner last week, for instance, was at a restaurant I had never even heard of before. It’s just little details like that where I wonder if I will even fit into your life.”
“You will. And, just so we’re clear, it’s our life, not my life. What we create has to be something new, not just an addendum to either side.”
“I love it when you talk dirty to me.” She grinned and moved back into his hug.
They stood there for several minutes, just savoring each other before he finally pulled away. “We’ll be late if we don’t go now.”
No comments:
Post a Comment